China testing FCIF
 

Another FCIF with some gaping holes in the information. First is the fact that 10 out of 10 pilots inbound from Hong Kong on the air bridge refused to be tested. Also absent is any discussion about what would happen if someone tests positive. Since the pilot is admitted to the country following the test and before the results are known, if there is a positive he’s now subject to whatever China’s protocol is for that situation. As the link below describes, there’s no guarantee the test will be accurate or administered by someone with the correct training. The potential for cross-contamination, false positives and even being infected by the test itself due to its invasive nature are all huge threats. The fact that two of our pilots agreed to do this voluntarily is astounding given the risks. Although rumor has it from our UPS brothers, one of their pilots was physically restrained and forced to be tested in Shenzhen. So it’s possible that you may lose the option to decline if you choose to voluntarily enter China.

Enough is enough. We need to stand firm on this. No amount of draft pay is worth this. There are alternatives like flying turns and avoiding laying over in China.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...-accuracy-rate

Perhaps the pilots that agreed to be tested didn’t know they had a choice, or didn’t realize the possibilities for problems? People need to get the word out, and accurate company communications is essential!

This is a deal breaker.

I know we have not agreed on a lot lately but on this one I’m with ya. I talked to some HKG bro’s and they said HKG Chief pilot sent out a letter saying you don’t have to agree to the testing if you don’t want. A group said no thanks, upon entering China and the corporate jet was sent back with them on it. Is this true?

Yep, True Story. Ten crew on the plane. Crews that were finished and supposed to go back are still in CAN.

Do they test crews who are laying over? Or is it everyone who moves through the hub? And is the same thing happening in Shanghai?

I haven’t heard anything about someone being physically restrained? It might very well be true I just haven’t heard that..
..but yes, we had several crew members ending up taking the test because they didn’t think they had a choice.. very confusing information given, language barrier and all.. Supposedly the test is quite uncomfortable. (see the image)

Several European governments have returned the Chinese corona test kits because they’re so inaccurate. What happens if a crew member tests positive? Which jail, sorry, hospital do they go to?? Hope our unions are talking.

A former Shenzhen airlines expat said SZX airport is by far the worst airport in all of China when it comes to manhandling crew members. Do you guys cross into/out of China through Shenzhen? ..or Guangzhou?

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DVJNWefmHjE/hqdefault.jpg

True about the refusal. Crews that were supposed to take the flight out that afternoon chose to be extended, with a few exceptions, who rode with us back to HKG.

Anyone who arrives at the hub coming from outside of China. Doesn't matter if you are laying over or not.

According to management, testing is happening in Shanghai, Shenzhen and CAN. But the only firsthand knowledge of testing I’ve heard is that from CAN.

Many flights being refused by inbound CAN crews again today. IMO, very wise decisions. Me thinks CAN ops will be a ghost town till this is abolished. Company is not communicating a plan if you do pop positive on Chinese soil. My guess is they know that they wouldn't be able to help or do anything, should China decide to quarantine you and your crew.